Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., No 20-255 B.L. v. Mahanoy is a free expression case the Supreme Court decided in June 2021. The case has major implications for public school students across the country. This page is a primer for reporters, students and teachers who want a quick explanation of the case and how… Continue reading SPLC’s 5 minute guide to B.L. v. Mahanoy
For immediate release: June 24, 2021For more information: Hillary Davis | hdavis@splc.org The Student Press Law Center (SPLC) commends the New Jersey legislature for passing A169 / S108, legislation to restore and protect the press freedom of New Jersey’s student journalists. SPLC calls on Governor Murphy to sign the legislation, at which time New Jersey will become… Continue reading New Jersey passes law protecting student press freedom
The Mahanoy decision shows strong support of free speech for students, but also underscores the hypocrisy of previous court decisions.
Student Press Law Center attorneys are available to speak with media about the ruling in this major student speech case and its implications.
A joint statement from the Student Press Law Center, Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association: Faced with unprecedented challenges this year, student journalists across the country have demonstrated remarkable fidelity in practicing the journalistic process. As professional news organizations model daily, reporting on newsworthy events is the duty of any media outlet. Scholastic… Continue reading Scholastic journalism organizations support essential coverage of Black Lives Matter movement
SPLC commends the recent steps taken by the state of Iowa which enable student publication advisers to guide their students without fear of censorship or disciplinary action.
UPDATE: The former president of Haskell Indian Nations University Ronald Graham has been fired. An internal investigation commissioned by the Haskell National Board of Regents confirmed Graham’s actions violated the First Amendment, “stifling the free speech rights of students and faculty.” The regent’s vote to remove Graham follows a unanimous vote of ‘no confidence’ from… Continue reading Former president of Haskell Indian Nations University fired after making unconstitutional directives to student editor and faculty
About the Institute Do you know a high school student who wants to see student press freedom signed into law in your state? Are they ready to take on an increased role in the New Voices movement? Tell them to apply now for the NEW VOICES STUDENT LEADERS INSTITUTE, a free, four-day program for students… Continue reading Apply Now: New Voices Student Leaders Institute
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Legal Question of the Week.” Q: What exactly is censorship? A: Anytime someone who works for the school prevents or attempts to prevent you from publishing content in your student publication, you’re dealing with censorship. On the college level,… Continue reading What exactly is censorship?
These legal reminders and tips will help you avoid and/or deal with confrontations while covering protests.
